Silver9k

Ok...I've been doing some research because I just destroyed my left rear tire last night...and the right is pretty gone too. Plus, the front probably only have 20-25% left on them. So I'm planning on buying 4 Kumho MX's. They offer similar performance to S02's and are much cheaper.

Anyway, my question is about the contact patch

S02's
MX's
S03's

As you can see, the section width for the S02's is 9.2" on a 7" wide rim, it is 9.3" for the MX's also on a 7" wide rim.

So, if I am to go with these tires then I wouldn't need to have 245/45/16's on the rear because the MX's would have very close to the same contact patch (tread width) as the S02's

Now for people who get S03's and use the 245/45/16 they are actually using larger rear tires, with a contact patch .6" bigger the section width is also .3" larger then the MX's.

Now, would I be ok to order 225/50/16 Kumho MX's for the rear, and 205/55/16's for the front...with them being very close to stock rim width and also similar dry grip/handling.

Thanx guys
Eric

Silver9k

Anybody...I need tires real soon and want to order tomorrow...but I need to know what you guys know about the contact patch. I don't see why not considering the specs of other tires sections widths, and what their contact patch is.

Costas

I've got the same question also. I'll need new tires soon and these seem like a good bang for the buck. I don't go to autocross (yet) and don't really do any hard cornerning so I just need some decent daily drivers, and these seem just fine.

Silver9k

Ok, talked to Jim at Tire Rack...I decided to go with the Goodrich G-Force TA KD's...just because the MX's are on back order for 4-6 weeks and I need tires NOW...plus the KD's are on Special right now...I didn't get 245 rears but the 225/50/16's will work just fine on the rear...they wont be THAT much thinner...and since they are very good handling tires, it really shouldn't be a problem.

swtazn97

i haven't heard a straight answer yet, i'm really confused.

So what is the correct size for matching front and rear tires on a 2002 Honda s2000 w/ stock rims for the Kumho MX's ???? I need a new set of rears b/c i have the wrong size so3's in the back and getting some oversteer. I want to use them for autox too.

I don't care about mixmatching it. i just want the right size. and kumho's are at a decently cheep price for good tires.

Jim@tirerack

The problem is Kumho just doesn't make the 245/45R16 size. If you want the MX it has to be the 205/55R16 and 225/50R16. They are on a backorder currently and will be about 4 to 6 weeks.

Jim 877-522-8473-364